Most men find it hard to interpret when asked for a smart casual dress code.
But it can be as simple as swapping the denim and adding a button-up.
Trust us as we put together some stylish smart casual outfits for your next work day or night off.
Definition of Smart Casual Dress Code
Smart casual dress code combines the elements of well-fitting less-formal clothes with the details of casual wear.
Think of it as dressing casually, but the overall look should portray a well-groomed, neat, and sophisticated style.
The suit will look overdressed. And sweatpants, t-shirts, and chunky trainers would be too casual.
So, the in-between dress code would be wearing cargo pants, chinos, polo shirts, sports coats, and loafers. And this would be smart casual.
Smart casual dress code also combines items of slightly varying formalities.
Wearing cotton dress pants with a check button-down shirt, for example. Or wearing chinos with a turtleneck.
However, never overdo this idea by combining the two extremes.
Pleated wool trousers, for example, are generally semi-formal and above. And better suited for business-casual settings.
Also, you should never wear them with a t-shirt and tennis shoes.
Business Casual vs. Smart Casual Outfits
Business casual means dressing down from a professional suit to a more relaxed outfit.
But still maintaining the same professional image.
This means replacing the suit with less-formal counterparts, i-e. a blazer and dress pants.
Skipping the tie. And replacing traditional dress shoes like oxfords with more versatile leather shoes like monk straps and brogues.
Plus, you can wear a more diverse color palette, especially shades of brown and gray.
Smart casual, compared to business casual, is one step down in formality.
Thus, you have more flexibility in colors, patterns, and various styling options.
Often there are only subtle differences between these dress codes. But always think of smart casual as a dress-down version of business casual.
Styling Tips on Wearing Smart Casual Outfits
Smart casual is all about looking dressed without going overboard. This means that only just those staple menswear items are enough to look good.
But, for those who dare, there could be plenty of details to showcase, adding color accents and layering, for example.
So, here are some styling tips to make your smart casual outfits more interesting.
Fit is Important
We can’t stress this enough, but the fit is crucial for smart casual outfits.
Not only it affects the outfit’s comfort, but it defines your look overall.
For example, laid-back and baggy trousers will mean you’ve not dressed appropriately.
Skinny pants will draw the same picture but in a different way.
So, you should aim for an outfit tailored to your body.
This includes understanding your body type and features and dressing accordingly.
Experiment with Colors
Smart casual outfits allow experimenting with colors, even some non-traditional ones.
For example, when paired with classics like blue and gray, brown and maroon can diversify your outfit options.
Similarly, tan and khaki can provide multiple matching options.
Many people find white intimidating, but it could be a significant part of the smart casual outfit regime.
White chinos are an excellent option for spring and warmer months. And you can pair it with a navy polo to a denim shirt.
In short, unless you’re going flashy, most colors will fit into smart casual outfits.
Don’t be Afraid to Layer
Layering adds depth to the outfits, and that saves you from being too plain or boring.
Plus, layering attenuates various colors and patterns, making you look neat.
Here are some layering tips. First is that the three layers are a sweet spot, nothing more.
Second is that each layer should work on its own, in addition to working together.
Like wearing an odd jacket and sweater, the outfit should be complete without either.
The last tip is to have only one statement piece. At the same time, we are keeping the rest of the outfit simple.
Always Lean Towards Smart Before Casual
Smart casual can be a style oxymoron. But the idea here is to be more smart and chic than casual and sloppy.
You can consider it the formal items being the outfit’s centerpiece. In comparison, casual items supplement the look.
For example, always wear suede shoes over loafers and a button-down over a sweatshirt.
When confused between the two options, we always prefer the dressier one.
Smart Casual Outfits for Men
Smart casual outfits look best, clean, and straightforward. Plus, there is no need to try hard with overly casual items.
It’s also great to have some color contrast between the different outfit items.
Monochromatic looks can sometimes be dull for a smart casual wear setting. At the same time, do overdo colors.
With this concept in mind, let’s explore some dapper outfits.
With Blazer for Smart Social Encounters
A blazer adds structure to the outfit and strengthens the masculine finish. Plus, it creates a dressed-up smart casual look with minimum effort.
So, it’s the safest option for most smart social encounters.
A navy blazer is the best choice. A white or pink dress shirt and beige chinos will also be equally great.
The suede shoes and black belt accent the outfit’s dark color palette.
This outfit’s fit makes it a pleaser for social encounters. Slim-fit jacket and chinos will make you look ready and effortless.
Sweater Over Shirt for the Office
This would be a nonchalant smart casual look for your everyday office wear. Grab a dark pair of tailored trousers, jeans, or dress pants.
Then layer a black crew sweater over a white button-down, and you’ll be good to go.
This look can work with multiple colors. But the same black color scheme in jeans and sweaters truly adds all seriousness.
And finally, the black leather boots put forward the same energy.
Or a More Casual Version for Workwear
You can replace your tapered jeans with something more relaxing, such as green chinos.
A white cotton popover to keep the look elegant. And a navy chore jacket for the functional aspect of smart casual workwear.
Also, note that we’ve moved to more rugged work boots.
This look only combines some essential items and becomes both functional and stylish. And this is what a smart casual dress code is all about.
Queue the Light Gray Turtleneck for Fall Season
Turtleneck is a fall essential creating many matching options. For a smart casual setting, choose a plain gray turtleneck outfit.
You can pair these dark gray trousers as long as they have appropriate contrast. And for the fall, wear something like a quilted jacket to have a layering effect.
If you like the effort, a scarf can be an excellent addition. Finally, complete this look with dark loafers.
Mix Bright Colors with Leather Shoes
This smart casual outfit is a perfect example of experimenting with colors without going overboard. Everything from navy chinos to the gray crew neck and black overcoat has neutral and muted colors.
But the bright yellow knitted scarf sparks these muted tones. As a result, the outfit seems audacious.
Brown leather shoes are a somewhat statement piece. But these blended well under the mixing of bright colors with muted tones.
Smart Casual Outfit with Khaki Chinos
Khaki chinos can be the most versatile item for a smart casual situation. It can go with any staple dress shirt and suit jacket.
The navy jacket and the khaki chinos combination are what we like the most. You can either wear a dress shirt or a turtleneck for fall.
The brown suede leather boots will be a good fit. And to add some depth to the outfit, wear a pocket square in a casual fold.
Or Jeans & Polo Shirt for a Simple Smart Casual Look
Jeans and polo seem an apparently tricky combination to pull off. But it’s not complicated. First, wearing well-fitted blue or black jeans would be ideal as well.
Then add a polo shirt that has the much-needed contrast to the shirt. White, light blue, or pink can be great options.
You can complete the look with modest sneakers or something dressy like loafers. A wristwatch would also be a great subtle addition.
The New Smart Casual Style
The patterned jumper does the same job as the button-down and sweater. It, therefore, provides a newer way to dress smart and casually.
The blazer and gray pants continue elegance. And the black Chelsea boots perfectly finish this look.
Plus, this outfit will be multi-functional. From work to going on a date, it a perfect for almost every smart casual situation.
Gray Goes on Gray for a Monochrome Smart Casual Outfit
Gray has a lot of different shades, and you can use these to play with colors. At the same time, you are creating a monochrome outfit that’s not tedious.
This outfit is a perfect example of choosing a single color without repetition. The dark gray of the overcoat and dress pants blend well.
The patterned jumper and crewneck underneath really pop out. The black derby shoes also match the formality of gray, creating a dressed-up smart casual look.
Denim Jacket for the Weekend
A denim jacket is a highly versatile item to have in your wardrobe.
When wearing, it usually is the centerpiece. Therefore, keep the rest of things simple.
Chinos, a crew neck t-shirt, and dark dress shoes will create a decent smart casual style.
Also, ensure the denim jacket is not flashy to stay in that smart casual theme.
Master the Bomber Jacket Look
The bomber jacket is trendy and getting a lot of attention these days. Plus, it’s as effortless as a blazer.
This look features a navy bomber jacket on a white turtleneck. And to connect these, we suggest wearing gray dress pants and brown brogues to continue the dressy theme overall.
Make the Tobacco Shearling Jacket Smart
This won’t be your everybody’s look, but an excellent combination for a statement-making smart casual outfit.
A shearling jacket is the statement piece here. Note that the unstructured casual blazer with a gingham check pattern connects this jacket with a more casual t-shirt.
Suede oxfords and charcoal chinos also emphasize the smart dressing.
This outfit also shows layering to perfection. Even without this tobacco shearling jacket, the outfit will be smart. But still, the jacket seems essential.
Layer with a White Trenchcoat
This is a great smart casual outfit when it’s cold, but you want your elegance to shine with minimum effort.
The white trench coat creates the face of the outfit. At the same time, the high-rise gray dress pants hold the same sartorial ground as the coat.
In comparison, a navy polo neck sweater connects the two formal elements.
And finally, brown suede loafers will attenuate the dressy feel of the outfit.
Or Refined Outerwear with Check Coat
This is a casual extension of the previous outfit. The navy overcoat creates that monochrome effect with the blue jeans.
But the gray blazers, light blue dress shirt, and brown Chelsea boots perfectly contrast the color scheme.
In addition to covering you for style, this would be very functional for winter. Gloves and scarf keep up with the chilly vibes.
